Health Canada approves Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for Omicron BA.4/BA.5 variants – CBC

Bivalent Moderna Spikevax booster is safe and effective, agency says

Nov 03, 2022

Health Canada has approved Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariants for use in adults.

The regulator said Thursday it determined that the latest Moderna Spikevax booster is safe and effective.

The updated vaccine is a combination of two strains, also known as a “bivalent” shot. It contains both the original vaccine formulation and protection against the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

“Clinical trial results showed that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.4/BA.5) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strains,” Health Canada said in a statement.

Side effects were mild and similar to the previously approved version of the vaccine, according to Health Canada.

Doctors recommend that Canadians keep up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against serious illness and complications of infection.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/moderna-bivalent-covid-ba4-5-1.6639232